TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Faith leaders in Tuscaloosa gathered for a candlelight vigil Monday at Kaulton Park to remember the lives lost to gun violence.
The vigil hosted by the Ceasefire Campaign, a group led by faith leaders and Tuscaloosa Police, called for peace in the community and for people to address recent gun violence in hopes of putting it to an end, especially ahead of the holiday season.
According to Tuscaloosa Police, a total of 18 gun violence related homicides have been reported in 2024.
"One is too many, and every time we turn around its shooting after shooting and killing after killing so we want to make sure we're proactive not reactive," said Ransey O'Daniel, organizer of the Ceasefire Campaign.
O'Daniel said it's vital to speak out and address the issue of gun violence.
Tuscaloosa City Councilwoman and Chair of Public Safety Ravan Howard agrees. Howard says it's going to take the communities help to do so.
"This is a nationwide issue; this is an endemic," said Howard. "If I could urge my community to do anything I would ask them to work with the organizations that are already established. Let's see how we can support them let's see how we could give to them."
With the family members of victims of that shooting and other shootings invited to attend a message of hope was given to them.
"We are praying for you, we support you, we are here to honor the lives of the loved ones who have gone home." said O'Daniel.
Both faith and city leaders in attendance said they are vowing to do their part to address the gun violence and end it in the city through both prayer and action.